Props used - bicycle, bacon, book, bat and bag - some missed the mark

[Charli]

I think the BTS was a very cool idea as part of the requirement in getting these shorts out.

Having said that, I've watched more than half the films and I do not feel the "prop" really came across as part of the central character's wants/needs or character revealment.

I can't even remember what props were used in some of the films I just watched yesterday. What does that tell you? Or even today, mind you. I'll have to go back and see.

I think using a prop didn't quite go as well as the mods had hoped.

[Noel Evans]

With regards to the props there was no requirement to make them a central part of the story - they simply had to be there, be something the character used or took the characters attention momentarily. Some people went all out and made the prop the centre of the story such as "Everythings Better" and some where just a passing glance. Either way they satisfied the point we wanted them for.

[Chris_Keaton]

I can't even remember what props were used in some of the films I just watched yesterday. What does that tell you? Or even today, mind you. I'll have to go back and see.

I think that was actually a good thing. The prop fit into the story and didn't stand out as something odd that didn't belong drawing undo attention to it.

[Hawk Teflon]

For Educated Mouse Trap, we thought, "Perfect, he pulls the device out of a Crown Royal bag." So we went and got a CR bag (out of the 5 of us on set, none of us drink, so we had to go to a liquor store and purchase the bag separately). When we were shooting, our actor said, "Oh nice, Crown Royal." We had to cut because it hit us all of a sudden ... "Are we allowed to say a name like that without paying royalties?" We weren't sure on the rules, so we had to play it safe and not mention it.

[Charli]

Here is what the requirement stated:

The prop must be used by, or hold the attention of, one of your central characters. Use it to illustrate something about the character, or to give an actor some sort of business while delivering dialogue. The prop cannot simply sit in the background as set dressing.


This tells me the mods intended the prop to be used more than just window dressing, or set dressing as it were. Use it to "illustrate" something about the character...

I'm telling you, it was a interesting requirement, but if you take a good look at the wording and how the props were used, they missed the mark. I'd rather go without using a prop in any fest because I don't think that works as well as like in 48-hour contest where you have to insert a line of dialogue (which makes it interesting how that goes).

Good idea. Not so well executed according to the rules.

[Noel Evans]

Well to give the background - the purpose of the prop was more a backend requirement by us. Fiction fest is a very broad fest. We wanted to be sure in the scheme of things that these entries were made specifically for fiction fest. Every entry had a prop - and on every entry we were 100% satisfied they were made for fiction fest.

[Charli]

Noel - I have no doubt they were made for fiction fest. I just think you should have kept the rules broad as well. Just have it in the story and we're happy sort of thing. By your own definition many missed the mark. Just saying. I didn't make the rules. I just tried to play by them.

[Brandon Rice]

I haven't viewed any of the films yet (yes, I'm lagging) but it was my understanding that the "prop requirement" was to prevent people from being lazy and just sticking it in the scene. Anyone who has the character holding a prop while delivering dialog or sitting there has satisfied the rules 100%. It doesn't need to have any more significance other than that. At the end of the day, the film that has the best storyline, character arc, and professionalism will most likely (not always) garner the best ratings.

Thanks for your kind questions regarding the rules, and I hope this clears it up.